In the Beginning... Gateway (1)

[Validar]

While the meeting and subsequent early relationship between Gabriella and Validar was never written (as mentioned there was not enough back story at that time anyway), we're not going to try and recreate that. It would be so much more work. And since it was not actually a part of New Frontiers, it's best to look back on it more properly as a reminiscence.

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Gateway. The Seekers feast. QLink

Validar initially found himself quite enamored with the beautiful Lady Gabriella. They met in Gateway after the siege of the city had been thwarted. The Seekers were naturally showered with attention and admiration both on their arrival in the city and at the feast that General Logan commissioned for them. Each of the Seekers seemed to have their individual admirers, at least those that were not already 'attached', such as Finrod and Stephanie, as well as Blod and Zynara.

There were several beautiful ladies that Validar met at the feast. They seemed to have various reasons for their interests, not the least of which was an attempt at marrying a hero. However, one of the many ladies stood out above the others; perhaps it was for her beauty or perhaps it was the hint of exoticness that she exuded, or perhaps it was that she was simply someone without a pretext or scheme about her that most of the ladies there seemed to literally ooze. Validar could barely take his eyes off her.

Lady Gabriella Allonica certainly had a flashy style and likely her family was rich. She wore the finest silks, but in garments that were not typical for Cynalonian ladies. It was an far western style, exotic yet tasteful, sultry yet refined. She also was adorned in a significant array of jewels, which while abundant was still tastefully done. Validar found himself seeking her out in the room with his eyes, even when they were not talking directly. Her vision captivated and intrigued him. There was something special about this girl. Validar did not believe in love at first sight and yet Gabriella seemed to sparkle when she moved, and it was more from her emerald eyes than the substantial gold and gemstones that she sported. He would soon find out that her mother was Zakharan, which also accounted for her exotic charms, no doubt, as well as her wardrobe.

During the feast, the two had some opportunities to talk, but never as much as he wanted. As one of the guests of honor, it seemed someone was always interrupting any attempts to continue a conversation with the curly-haired beauty. Being a lesser noble, she was often ignored in the conversations, despite Validar's best attempts to remain by her side throughout. While it seemed a frustrating and nearly futile attempt to get to know her more, the radiant smile on her face as their eyes met across the room made his heart leap in his chest. He was most pleased when he managed to meet up with Gabriella again a few days after the feast.

Her father was Lord Allonica, a notable merchant in this part of the kingdom. They traded everywhere from Pyris to Elcadan to Gateway and even to Alexandria. Her uncle was a very wealthy landed lord and the family was based in Crossroads, where her uncle had his estate. Some of Gabriella's family on her mother's side were also traders who facilitated the expensive and exotic trade goods that Zakharans brought to Cynalon.

In the weeks that followed, the two came to spend more and more time together. One of their first days together was when the Crown Prince came to Gateway and gave each of the Seekers a medal of Valor. She soon after joined him at the weddings of Finrod and Stephanie and that of Zynara and Blod. Clearly there was much to learn about the raven-haired lady and each day Validar found something else to admire about her. The slightest beginnings of romance had begun to bloom. When Gabriella had told him that she really enjoyed having him in her life, there was an intense moment of seeing a glimpse of how meaningful this relationship could become. That was also the day they shared their first romantic, yet still slightly innocent, kiss.

In all they had two months together from the day they met until the day he had to leave. While there was some mission time, they had ample time to strengthen their relationship. When Validar had to suddenly depart due to the attack on his family, he barely was able to send a note in order to say goodbye to Gabriella. That gnawed at him in the back of his mind and in those moments before sleep would overtake him. He began to truly miss her presence in his life.

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Corunglain. Guardians of the Light. New Frontiers

Quite surprisingly, she had followed him back to Pyris with his friend Arocken. Clearly she had similar feelings to what the noble warrior was now feeling for her. This was fantastic. He couldn't wait to see her again. To gaze into her beautiful green eyes. To feel the warmth of her hand in his. But fate continued to conspire against them.

In the field as he was, he was unable to return to Pyris in time to see her before she left for Corunglain. She had travelled to Pyris with one of her family's caravans. It was the only safe way to do so. Even with her bodyguards, Breanna and Jamid, and Validar's friend Arocken, the western part of the kingdom was too dangerous and the journey many days. However, that also put her on a bit of a time crunch. With winter about to settle in, they had to get to Corunglain and load up for Crossroads before the snows would halt their travel. Perhaps she could meet him on their return trip through Pyris.

[Validar]

This was not her dress at the party where they met, certainly. It was much more refined. However, being summer in Gateway she likely appeared in something more like this at several points.

I was quite pleased with the pencils on this drawing and not as pleased with the inking that came from it sadly. One day I may have to try and ink her again. But in any case, may you all meet Lady Gabriella Allonica!

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